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While the rest of Australia excelled during the early response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, one state government dragged its LGBTI citizens down during their greatest hour of need. David Alexander speaks to three key figures involved in the fight against homophobia and discrimination during the time of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen government.

For this month’s Throwback instalment, we take a trip down memory lane when the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was less corporate driven and more political — but still just as camp and fabulous as it is today.

As part of ‘fg’ — Star Observer’s festival guide for the 2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras season — community members involved in six specific areas of our history shared their reflections on how far LGBTI rights have come, and the momentum needed to achieve full equality.

Cruising for sex in public areas has been a part of gay subculture for decades. But with greater LGBTI visibility and the rise of gay hook-up apps like Grindr, will beats be around for much longer? Matthew Wade reports.